The amount of freedom I have is ridiculous! I'm so used to asking my mom if I can go shopping with these friends, or go to that awesome party with those friends. Here, I don't have to do that. I can just get up and go. Granted, I still regularly check in with my roommates to make sure that we're all okay (use the buddy system in college! It worked in kindergarten, it works now too!). This freedom is great, but it should be also used with caution. Just because you have the newfound ability to do something doesn't mean you should always do it. Don't forget, you still have to make time for studying! Even though I love my new freedom, I still really miss my family. Video chat will become one of my closest friends this semester, I'm sure of it. I'm even teaching my 92 year old grandfather to do it!

PS: I "borrowed" my best friend, Paulo's, sweater, so I can take it with me to college. It's his signature grey varsity stripe sweater. He wears it everywhere, and all of our friends know it's his, and I get to take this piece of him with me! It will be like he's still there with me, every time I put it on! Easiest way to beat the "I miss you" blues.